Water availability is the key limiting factor for plant productivity in drylands and could be assisted by using plants that have developed strategies to more efficiently utilize moisture resources and improve moisture conditions for neighboring plants.
The very deep-rooted Ziziphus lotus, considered an ecosystem engineer, is one such possible example and a recent report describes its effect in selected dryland ecosystems on the less deep-rooted Thymbra capitata. The density of T. capitata plants growing up to 5m around Z. lotus vs. thymes growing 10–15 m away was found significantly increased and this suggests that ecosystem productivity is driven by a greater soil moisture availability around Z. lotus. The deep-rooting properties and hydraulic lift potential of Z. lotus may be the key in permitting it to boost ecosystem productivity. Such hydraulic plant traits require more attention as they may prove valuable in combating desertification and restoring ecosystems in arid/semiarid regions threatened by climate change.
For more information: Constantinou, E., Sarris, D., Psichoudaki, M. et al. How can ecosystem engineer plants boost productivity in east Mediterranean drylands. Ecol Process 12, 30 (2023).